Art journaling is a form of artistic endeavor that emphasizes process over product. This means it offers a wonderful opportunity for beginners to explore their creative potential, at the same time it offers even seasoned artists the encouragement and incentive to explore new techniques and media. It has become very popular in the United States, but courses in Europe are still rare so I’ve decided to host one at my studio in Bern. The Art Journal Workshop begins on January 15, 2011 and runs continuously throughout the year.

You don’t need to be able to draw, or to have experience with paint or other media (though artistic skills and talents are always great to have). What you do need is a sense of adventure, and an interest in getting in touch with your creative side, exploring new territory, and pushing your limits. Art journals can explore any aspect of your life or your interests, focus on any subject, and embrace any form of personal style. The techniques you learn in the Workshop will help you express yourself better, and will become tools you can use as you build your artistic base.

Workshop meetings are held on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 13:00-17:00 in the afternoon, at my home studio in downtown Bern. At each meeting we will explore a single new technique that can be incorporated into your journal pages. Because every class meeting presents a new technique, you may join at any time during the year, come to the classes that interest you, and end or renew your study whenever you wish.

A list of class topics is available in advance so that you can pick the techniques you’d most like to explore. You may pay for each Workshop meeting separately, at a rate of 35 CHF per class, but you can save money buying a subscription: 4 classes (120 CHF) or 8 classes (210 CHF) at one time.* The subscription gives you the flexibility to select the workshop sessions you would like to attend.* Classes are held in English, and supporting materials are also in English, but don’t let a lack of fluency in English stop you from signing up. There will be enough German speakers to help you out, and most techniques don’t require much explanation beyond visual demonstration.

All materials will be provided except the Art Journal itself. (Here are some suggestions for choosing the format of your journal.) I’ll have plenty of supplies on hand for experimentation during class, and I do offer some additional materials for purchase. I also provide links to internet resources where you can order supplies for yourself.